AAP Government Most Responsive to Small Traders in Punjab, Claims Arvind Kejriwal; Slams Opposition Over Corruption Allegations

Punjab Newsline | Jalandhar

Jalandhar witnessed a high-profile visit on June 13 as Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal, along with senior party leaders, reached the city for a series of engagements.

The leaders first held a meeting with traders associated with the Punjab Raj Vyapari Commission. During the interaction, Arvind Kejriwal said that the AAP government is the first in Punjab to actively listen to the concerns of small traders. He added that even minor grievances of traders are being addressed, with the Chief Minister personally monitoring issues and ensuring resolution through his team.

Kejriwal further stated that the government has stopped coercive collection practices from traders and is working with transparency and honesty. He also made political remarks, alleging the presence of multiple “parties” in Punjab politics, including what he referred to as a “Chitta party,” an “ED party,” and a “conflict party,” while asserting that AAP is focused on public service.

He also claimed a disparity in political funding, stating that one party received significantly higher donations compared to AAP, questioning the sources of such funding.

Later in the evening, all leaders are scheduled to attend a religious program at Sai Das School ground at around 6:30 PM.

The event, titled “Ek Shaam Bhagwan Shiv Ke Naam”, is being organized by AAP leader Deepak Bali. Renowned devotional singer Hansraj Raghuwanshi will perform bhajans, aiming to connect thousands of devotees with spiritual music.

Punjab Minister for Horticulture, Freedom Fighters and Defence Services Welfare Mohinder Bhagat, and Advisor for Tourism and Cultural Affairs Deepak Bali said the program is dedicated to Lord Shiva and will be a large-scale spiritual gathering.

City officials, including Mayor Vineet Dhir, Punjab Safai Karamchari Commission Chairman Chandan Grewal, Improvement Trust Chairman Rameek Singh Randhawa, and others, said this is one of the biggest devotional events ever organized in Jalandhar at this scale.